Ventilated awning



1955 D. KRAMER ETAL 2,722,042

VENTILATED AWNING Filed July 14. 1952 United states Patent ()fifice 2,722,042 Patented Nov. 1, 1955 VENTILATED AWNING David Kramer, Los Angeles, and Olin H. Stapp, Montebello, Calif, assignors to Air Vent Awning Company, Los Angeles, Calif., a partnership Application July 14, 1952, Serial No. 298,756

3 Claims. (Cl. 20-575) Our invention relates generally to awnings, and more particularly to exterior awnings of the type adapted to be permanently installed on a building or other supporting structure.

An awning of the above type is shown in our copending application Serial No. 108,904, filed August 6, 194 9, and the present invention is directed to improvements in the awning construction making the installation even more economical and convenient. In general, these improvements include a novel upper supporting channel and modifications in the surfacing elements which facilitate the fabrication and fitting of the awning on the building site. The number of basic parts is reduced, while the particular parts are adapted to be finished into different elements.

With the foregoing in mind, it is a major object of our invention to provide an improved permanent awning which is suitable for use throughout the seasons, and which provides protection under all weather conditions.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved awning of light-weight construction which may be prefabricated and fitted to particular installations at the building site with the simplest of hand tools.

It is also an object of the invention to provide Vent means for the circulation of air through the awning which allows free upward flow of the air and positively protects the area beneath the awning from water entry.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved upper supporting channel having overhanging flap means adapted to fit in closing relationship to the surfacing members for weather protection and improved appearance.

An additional object of the invention is to provide edge surfacing elements which are easily finished on the building site for use at either end of the awning.

Still another object of the invention 'is to provide main surfacing elements having preformed end portions adapted to be bent either upwardly or downwardly so that said elements may be used as alternate ridge or trough members.

A still further object of the invention is to provide pre-' formed knock-out plugs in the ends of the surfacing elements for facilitating attachment to the supporting structure.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred formthereof, and from an inspection of the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of our improved awning shown installed to protect a window;

Fig. 2 is a partial vertical cross-section of the device showing the supporting and frame members thereof;

Fig. 3 is a cross-section taken along the line 33 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an edge surface element; and e Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a main surface element.

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to Fig. 1 thereof, we have shown a form of the invention which is designed to protect window openings. It is to be understood, however, that the features of construction hereinafter described may be used on many different styles and types of awning, and that the embodiment shown herein is merely illustrative of the principles of the inven tion.

The numeral 10 indicates a generally horizontal frame member or support channel fastened by suitable means to the vertical surface of a building, as for example along the upper casement of a window. A built-up covering 11 forms the surface of the awning and is of generally rectangular shape inclining outwardly and downwardly from the support 10. Disposed parallel to support 10 and spaced outwardly and downwardly therefrom is a lower support or channel 12-which supports the lower end of covering 11, as is seen in Fig. 2. End braces 13 extend horizontally outwardly from the building to brace channel 12 and complete the framing.

Thus the end braces 13 together with the upper support It and the lower support 12 form an open generally triangular structure which rigidly positions surface covering 11. The end braces 12 may be of any suitable construction, and are shown as light-weight tubular members. If the awning is of extended width, a similar brace can be placed intermediate the end braces to add further rigidity. It can also be understood that if the awning is of short length, the lower supporting means 12 and 13 may be eliminated, and the covering 11 supported entirely from the support 10.

The upper support 10 is preferably an angular channel ing outwardly therefrom, as is best seen in Fig. 2. Lower flange 17 serves as a base for supporting the individual elements of the covering 11, while upper flange 16 serves as a water deflector or shield to prevent water from entering beneath the awning. The lower support or frame 12 is typically a right-angular channel and is held by the end braces 13 with the forward wall thereof inclined slightly with respect to the vertical. All of the frame members are preferably formed of a light-weight structural metal, such as aluminum, which may be given an enamel finish to provide an attractive appearance.

The covering or surface 11 of the awning is of sectional corrugated construction comprising a plurality of elongated metal surface elements held together in sideby-side relationship. These surface elements are designated as trough members 25 and ridge members 26 disposed in alternate staggered relationship, With the sides of the ridge members being aligned with one side each of two adjacent trough members. It is an important feature of this invention to simplify the construction by utilizing a single structural element which serves both as a trough and a ridge member by simply inverting the element and reversing the direction of bend of the lower overhang. To this end a common surfacing element 27, as is seen in Fig. 4, is provided. By suitable finishing operations as will hereinafter be described, the element 27 is formed to provide both the ridge and trough members 25 and 26. Before discussing these finishing operations it is advisable to consider the detailed nature of these members.

The trough 25 is formed as a long pan or tray ribbed and bent longitudinally to provide a bottom portion WhlCh comprises a central band 30 and upwardly dewarping of the trough, and also adds to the attractive- Q J ness of the device. Along the outer edges of the bands 31 are upwardly convergent lateral flanges 32 for engagement with an adjacent ridge member 26. In asmb ina he a nin ll t t ugh 25 a e p e in spaced relationship along the supports 10 and 12, a d ubsequen y t e i e 2.6 a e n rlo k d and s cured to the troughs. The upper end of each trough 25 passes over the lower flange 17 of the support 10 and is attached thereto as by bolts 33. The ridges 2,6 are not secured to the support 10 but only to the trough 25 in a manner which will be hereinafter explained.

As can best be seen in Figs. 2 and 3, the upper ends of troughs 25 lie beneath the upper support flange 16 and are spaced some distance below the same. To close he op ing s o med, paced c ang l p 3 are formed on flange 16 and bent downwardly so as to lie within each trough 25 and substantially block the flow of water which might otherwise pass over the end of the trough and beneath the awning. It should also be noted, as seen in Fig. 2, that the end of trough 25 is spaced from the vertical support wall 15 so as to define a transversely extending passageway 35 be-. neath upper flange 16.

Trough members 25 are substantially longer than the distance between supports 10 and 12, and the lower ends of the troughs are bent downwardly adjacent support 12 to form overhanging portions 36 which are aligned to provide a generally vertical face or skirt at the front of the awning. To facilitate formation of skirt portions 36, flanges 32 are cut or notched at the bending axis to form separate lower flanges 32a. The overhanging skirt portions 36 lie parallel to the forward wall of support :12 and are attached thereon by fastening means such as bolts 37. The tip ends of skirt portions 36 are rounded at 38 to provide an attractive scalloped edge on the awning.

The ridge members 26 are of substantially the same shape as troughs 25 lying in an inverted position to form elevated surfaces between the troughs. The top of ridge 26 comprises a flat central band 40 with downwardly inclined outer side bands 41 running therealong. Upon the edges of bands 41 are downwardly convergent lateral flanges 42 for interlocking engagement with the cooperating flanges 32 of a pair of adjacent troughs 25. As is best seen in Fig. 3, the flanges 32 and 42 overlap to form a tight joint therebetween and are engaged to secure a ridge 26 between two adjacent troughs 25 so that the flanges 42 bracket and enclose one flange 32 of each of the adjacent troughs.

The lower ends of the ridge members 26 are bent transversely adjacent support 12 to form overhanging skirt portions 44 similar to the skirt portions 36 on troughs 25 and secured thereto, as will be explained. At the same time, flanges 42 are ported to provide angularly intersecting skirt flanges 42a. The lower end of portion 44 is also rounded downwardly at 45 so as to complete the scalloped border along the skirt of the awning.

As thus far described, it can be seen that troughs 25 and ridges 26 are essentially similar and may both be simply formed from the common surfacing element 27. The latter is prefabricated as an elongated strip which is taken to the building site in the form shown in Fig. 4, A central band 50, and side bands 51 form either the bands 30 and 31 of the trough 25 or the bands 40 and 41 of the ridge 26. As is apparent, the designations of these bands depend upon whether the element 27 is used in an upwardly-facing direction to become a trough 25 or a downwardly-facing direction to become a ridge 26. Likewise, element 27 has edge flanges 2 which become flanges 32 or 42 of the trough or ridge 25 and 26, esp ct v yn order t comple he t ough m mber from lem n 2 i is n c sary o bend he lower nd of the lem n down ardly as i dicate in p a om Outline to or!!! he skir ove han in p r ion 36- o facilitate the formation of portion 36, side flanges 52 are formed with V-shaped notches 53 at the proper location so that the angular separation of the resulting flanges 32 and 32a may be accomplished. Notches 53 have a substantial apex angle so as to also permit the formation of the ridge skirt portions, as will later be described. Since the troughs 25 are positively fastened to supports 10 and 12, it is desirable to preform holes which will accommodate bolts 33 and 37. For this purpose knockout plugs 54 and 55 are provided at the upper and lower ends of element 27. These plugs are defined by peripheral score lines or grooves which extend partially through the sheet material of the element. Thus when desired, plugs 54 and 55 can be easily removed by the use of a hand punch or the like. As can be understood, the finishing operations on the trough 25 are quite simple and can be quickly accomplished on the job.

To complete the ridge member 26 from the element 27, the lower end of the element is bent upwardly as indicated in phantom outline to form the overhanging skirt portion 44. Because of the previously-described shape of notches 53 the flanges 52 may be brought together to provide the angularly intersecting ridge flanges 42 and 42a. Since the ridges 26 are not secured to the supports 10 and 12, the plugs 54 and 55 are not removed but are left in place to provide a solid surface covering. As can thus be seen, the formation of ridge 26 is as simple as the formation of troughs 25. However, by the use of the common surface element 27 the prefabrication steps are reduced to a minimum and those which are necessary are well adapted to machine operations.

As previously mentioned, ridge members 26 are locked between trough members 25 and are not fastened to the supports 10 and 12. The ridge members 26 are installed by inserting them between the troughs 25 with a longitudinal sliding movement, as is best seen in Fig. l, the direction of movement of a partially installed ridge being indicated by the arrow. In order that flanges 42 may bracket flanges 32, the ridge must be sprung slightly outwardly and thereafter the flanges are engaged tightly to prevent any lateral movement therebetween. Likewise, the angular relationship between the flanges 32 and 42 prevents any vertical movement so that a very rigid structure is provided.

When the ridge member 26 has been moved upwardly almost into position, the lower skirt flanges 32a and 42a are mutually parallel but they angularly intersect the upper flanges 32 and 42 which are being interlocked by the longitudinal sliding movement of the ridge. Therefore, the flanges 4242, must be deflected outwardly to override and engage the flanges 32a. For this reason the flanges 42a are made of deformable and somewhat resilient material so that they may be deflected outwardly to override flanges 32a and spring back in firm engagement therewith. It is then impossible to move ridges 26 in any direction, and in effect the lower flanges 32a and 42a are locking flanges holding the upper sliding flanges 32 and 42 from sliding movement. It can also be understood that this angular interlocking construction requires no separate fastening means and binds the ridges and troughs together in a continuous surface.

When installed in locked position, the upper ends of the ridges 26 extend over lower support flange 17 and lie beneath the overhanging portion of upper flange 16. As is best seen in Fig. 3, the, central ridge band 40 bears firmly against the underside of flange 16. Small triangular vents 56 are defined above the side bands 41 of the ridge and beneath flange 16 to permit the upward flow of air from beneath thev awning. In a closed awning of this type it is necessary to provide such means for the circulation of air through the device. If no provision is made, the warm rising air will collect beneath the awning at the high point immediately adjacent the building and will pass undesirable heat through the window. Therefore, we have provided vent means to allow free circulation of air through the awning without sacrificing the.

the laterally extending passageway 35 within support 10.

As can be understood, the vents 56 communicate into passageway 35 so that the air may pass outwardly above the awning surface. Since the support is open-ended, cross circulation is further provided to aid in carrying away the heated air from the ends of ridges 26.

The width of the awning is, of course, determined by the number of troughs and ridges 25 and 26 which are used, and this sectional construction permits simple modification in the size and shape of the device. To provide a finished appearance and aid in the deflection of water, the sides of surface 11 are bounded by edge troughs 60 which are formed with an outer downwardly extending side lip 61. In other respects the troughs 60 are similar to troughs 25, having a ribbed central portion comprising a central band 62, side bands 63, and an opposite upturned side flange 64. The lower portion of the trough 60 is adapted to be bent downwardly to form an overhanging skirt portion 65. In the installation of the edge troughs 60, flanges 64 are interlocked with the adjacent flanges 42 of a ridge 26 in the same manner as troughs 25. The upper end of trough 60 is secured to support 10 by bolts 33, while the lower end is secured to support 12 by bolts 37.

As can be appreciated, it is necessary that troughs 60 be formed as rightand left-hand units for use on the corresponding ends of the awnings. To accomplish this and at the same time avoid unnecessary fabrication steps, a common surfacing element 70 is provided, as is seen in Fig. 5. Element 70 carries the previously-mentioned side lip 61 and upturned opposite edge flange 62 for interlocking engagement with a ridge flange 42. The central portion of element 70 forms the ribbed central portion comprising central band 62 and side bands 63. Near the opposite ends of flange 62 are notches 71 and 72 which permit either end of the element to be bent downwardly to form the overhanging skirt portion 65. If the end adjacent notch 71 is bent, a skirt portion 65a for use on the right-hand end of the awning is formed. If the other end adjacent notch 72 is bent, a skirt portion 65b is formed for use on the left-hand end of the awning. To also facilitate the formation of the skirt portions 65, edge lip 71 may be split at 74 across from notches 71 and 72.

Since the troughs 60 are to be later secured to supports 10 and 12, it is necessary that openings be provided to accommodate bolts 33 and 37. Therefore pairs of knock-out plugs 76 and 77 are formed at both ends of the member 70 so that appropriate openings may be formed to receive the securing bolts. Each pair of plugs 76 and 77 includes a plug spaced close to the end of the element in such a position to receive bolt 33, and a second plug spaced adjacent to notches 71 and 72 in a position for receiving bolt 37. It is also desirable to provide either the skirt portion 65a or the portion 65b with a rounded end 78 to conform to the scalloped edge on the remainder of the awning surface. Accordingly, both ends of member 70 are initially provided with rounded tips 78. The end which is to become the upper end of the trough is then cut along the dotted line as indicated, to remove tip 78 and leave a square upper end. As can be understood, this is a very simple operation and can be easily done on the building site. However, by the use of the common surfacing element 70 we again eliminate prior fabrication steps and reduce the ultimate cost to the consumer.

When the awning is installed, it can be seen that it affords full protection against the weather while permitting the circulation of air. Excellent drainage is 6 provided by troughs 25 so that any water which strikes thereon .is 'carried free of the area beneath the awning surface. ward slope of upper support flange 16 carries any water downwardly and away from the vertical building surface. Because of the overhanging relationship of flange 16 to the upper ends of the ridges and troughs 25 and 26, such water does not enter the top ventilation openings in the awning, but continues downwardly along the troughs. In this connection it should be noted that the vertical closure flaps 34 provide an additional safeguard,

against the improper entry of water.

We have thus shown and described an embodiment of the invention which is fully capable of accomplishing the aforementioned objects and advantages. However, it is apparent that the design of the awning may be changed considerably without departing from our invention, and we do not wish to be limited to the foregoing details, except as defined in the appended claims.

We claim:

1. An awning which includes: a generally horizontal upper supporting channel having a vertical securing wall and downwardly inclined upper and lower flanges; a plurality of spaced parallel trough members secured to and inclined downwardly from said channel; upwardly turned lateral flanges on said trough members extending substantially the length thereof; a plurality of ridge members positioned in alternate staggered relationship with said trough members; downwardly turned lateral flanges extending along said ridge members and interlocked with the flanges of said trough members to provide a continuous rigid surface, the ends of said members extending between said channel flanges and remaining spaced from said vertical wall to define a laterally extending passageway, said trough members being seated against said lower channel flange and spaced downwardly from said upper channel flange, and said ridge members bearing upwardly against said upper channel flange whereby the underside of said ridge members is open to said passageway; and flaps extending downwardly from said upper channel flange above each of said trough members and substantially closing the top surface thereof from said passageway.

2. An awning which includes: a generally horizontal upper supporting channel having a vertical securing wall and downwardly inclined upper and lower flanges; a plurality of spaced parallel trough members secured to and inclined downwardly from said channel, said troughs being longitudinally ribbed to form a trilateral upwardly open surface; upwardly turned lateral flanges on said trough members extending substantially the length thereof; a plurality of ridge members having trilateral downwardly open surfaces and positioned in alternate staggered relationship with said troughs; downwardly turned lateral flanges extending along said ridge members and interlocked with the flanges of said trough members to provide a continuous rigid surface, the ends of said members extending between said channel flanges and remaining spaced from said vertical wall to define a laterally extending passageway, said troughs being seated against said lower channel flange, and said ridge members bearing upwardly against said upper channel flange whereby the underside of said ridge members is open to said passageway and said passageway is vented above said ridge members by small triangular vents defined between said upper support flange and the outer surfaces of the trilateral ridges; and flaps extending downwardly from said upper channel flange above each of said trough members and substantially closing the upwardly open surfaces of said troughs from said passageway.

3. An awning which includes: a generally horizontal upper channel support having a vertical securing wall and downwardly inclined upper and lower flanges; a generally horizontal lower support parallel to and forward of said upper support; a plurality of spaced trough As can best be seen in Figs. 1 and 2, the downmembers secured to and inclined downwardly across said supports to provide longitudinally extending drainage sur: faces, said troughs being longitudinally ribbed to form a trilateral upwardly open surface; angular upwardly con= vergent flanges extending along the sides of said troughs and formed integrally therewith;- a plurality of parallel ridge members having downwardly open trilateral sur-. faces and positioned in alternate staggered relationship with said troughs; angular downwardly convergent flanges extended along the sides of said ridges and adapted to interlock slidably with the flanges of said troughs to provide a continuous rigid surface, the ends of said members extending between said channel flanges and remaining spaced from said vertical wall to define a late erally extending passageway, said troughs being seated against said lower channel flange, and said ridge members bearing upwardly against said upper channel flange whereby the underside of said ridge members is open to said passageway and said passageway is vented above said ridge members by small triangular vents defined between said upper support flange and the outer surfaces of the trilateral ridges; and flaps extending downwardly from said upper channel flange above each of said trough members and subs ntially do ing th up y p n surfaces of said tro gh from aid pas g y- References Cited in the, file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,441,081 Perry et al. May 4, 1948 2,542,919 Freeman Feb. 20, 1951 2,611,935 Kramer et al. Sept. 30, 1952 

